Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has criticised former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Isa Ali Pantami over his past description of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as an “infidel party”, while reaffirming his long-standing loyalty to the opposition party.

Lamido made the remarks while receiving PDP governorship candidates from Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Yobe and Jigawa states at his residence in Bamaina, Jigawa State, on Saturday.

Reflecting on the PDP’s years in power, Lamido said the party was repeatedly criticised by political opponents and some Islamic preachers.

“The PDP was labelled corrupt, and some even described it as an ‘infidel party.’ Despite all that, I remained in the party because it gave me the opportunity to serve Nigeria as Minister of Foreign Affairs and twice as Governor of Jigawa State,” he said.

The former governor disclosed that after the 2015 general elections, senior figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former President Muhammadu Buhari, President Bola Tinubu and former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, visited him in Dutse to persuade him to join the ruling party.

“I told them I could not abandon the party that made me who I am. Instead, I challenged them to come and join the PDP,” Lamido stated.

He also recalled that Pantami, while serving as Chief Imam of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Jumu’ah Mosque, allegedly delivered sermons in which he prayed against the PDP and referred to it as an “infidel party.”

According to Lamido, Pantami later joined the PDP after failing to secure the APC governorship ticket in Gombe State, a move that generated widespread public debate.

Pantami has not publicly responded to Lamido’s latest comments.

The exchange comes as political realignments and defections gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Three young footballers with Nigerian roots, Chinedu Agu, Michael Ani, and Nathaniel Chioma, have taken a significant step in their careers after signing their first professional contracts with English club Portsmouth FC.

READ ALSO: Ikon Allah Football Academy Of Kaduna Hits Another Transfer Jackpot In Romania 

Sports247 reports that the talented trio, who have all progressed through Portsmouth’s academy system, have been rewarded for their impressive development with professional deals that bring them closer to achieving their dream of first-team football.

Their latest achievement marks a major milestone, not only for the players themselves but also for their families and supporters who have followed their journeys through the youth ranks at the English club.

Signing a first professional contract is often regarded as one of the defining moments in a young footballer’s career, symbolising the transition from academy football to the professional game.

For Agu, Ani, and Chioma, it represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter and an opportunity to continue their development within the Portsmouth setup.

The trio will now aim to build on their progress and work towards earning opportunities with the club’s senior team, with hopes of eventually making their professional debuts for the Pompey family.

Their success also provides another positive story for Nigerian football, highlighting the growing number of players of Nigerian descent making their mark within some of Europe’s leading academy systems.

Over the years, England has produced several footballers with Nigerian roots who have gone on to enjoy successful professional careers, and the emergence of Agu, Ani, and Chioma will undoubtedly be closely monitored by football followers in both Nigeria and England.

The development is a source of pride for Nigerian football enthusiasts, who continue to celebrate the achievements of young talents connected to the country excelling abroad.

As they embark on their professional journeys in Hampshire, the three youngsters will be hoping to justify the faith shown in them and continue their steady rise through the ranks.

For Chinedu Agu, Michael Ani, and Nathaniel Chioma, the dream of professional football has officially begun.